It's a (tourist) Trap!
"In fact, space is not the most important constituent of suburban form. Communication across space is more important, and it requires a symbolic and a time element in its descriptive systems which are only slowly being devised." (p.64)
I have decided that I like Denise Scott Brown and Robert Venturi. This is not because I enjoy or like their post-modern approach. I like them solely for their audacity to play the Devil's Advocate when it comes to the acceptance and even approval of tacky, American Consumerism. Not only were they infatuated with it, they gave it their own seal of approval.
There is a quick judgment bestowed on convenience, advertisements, and American greed that can be observed as a main influence in many towns and cities sprawling through the U.S.
Growing up in the United States, I am used to seeing signage and outlandish advertisements on every major highway. When Denise Scott Brown refers to the "untidiness of urban life" and the need for more tolerance, I understand. There is something about signage and dysfunction that seems to knit together the urban fabric of cities like Las Vegas and Myrtle Beach.
There is obviously an appeal to this type of architecture or the two cities mentioned above would not be a couple of the largest tourist-traps in America. People are comforted by consumer goods and the nostalgia factor of signage. Words and signage in the United States are almost valued as relics (especially if the brand is American-made).
I like that you are looking at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of Venturi and Brown because of the nostalgia of consumerism. People love it, which is why every middle aged man has a basement full of Coca Cola signs and random license plates. It definitely isn't what the average architect wants to see, but it attracts the people. Sometimes, having everything too picture-perfect almost seems eerie and uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteAs quite the nostalgic person myself, the "nostalgia factor of signage" is a really interesting thought... and one that's quite true. We keep old signs because they remind us of something. For me, they remind me of the people and circumstances that made that place special. We attach personal meaning to something that used to be merely a consumer advertisement. What an interesting thing to reflect on...
ReplyDeleteJessica, very cool look at the effect of consumerism and our relationship with branding.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that there is a certain appeal to this type of architecture that involves signage and dysfunction. To some Americans the signage might bring a nostalgia factor to them but from a foreigner's point of view the signage, lights, and dysfunction of cities such as Vegas or New York, become a sign of success, development and even power that is attractive to many people who want to feel like they are part of that success and therefore attracts them to visit such places.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a really interesting thread, especially after the end of our lecture in class today. I think its your mention of signage and tourist-traps, paired with Lydias mention of the iconic old-guy collectors basement, reminded me of the discussion of Coney Island today. While the extreme of amusement parks is an architecture that suspends reality it seems that sometimes we surround ourselves with lights and items of nostalgia to either take us back to a past reality or to shield us from our current reality.
ReplyDeleteI love your point about the Devil's Advocates of architecture. It's like that question I always get asked when I tell people that I am studying architecture: Do you know Frank Lloyd Wright? Obviously I know my fair share of architects, but I do not always agree with them. I think what is so cool about architectural history and theory is the fact that while we may not always agree with architects like Denise Scott Brown and Robert Venturi, we can see why they were important in shaping the field of architecture.
ReplyDelete